The Crieff Succeeds BID has taken a major step forward by recruiting a full-time manager.

The wide-ranging project’s board recently announced that Strath capital resident John Bray took up the post on January 6.

John has lived in the town for many years and worked for over a decade in Crieff’s retail sector – latterly as shop manager at the Crieff branch of Fun Junction.

He will be based out of Crieff Learning Centre, but expects to spend a large amount of time out and about meeting with local businesses.

The role is targeted to successfully deliver, on time and to budget, the projects contained in the project’s overall business plan.

John, who will work alongside the BID board, its various sub-groups and suppliers, said he relished the opportunity to help improve the town’s fortunes.

He said: “Crieff has a lot to offer, but changes to the way people shop and how they spend their time can make it difficult for a town like Crieff to show itself off.

“I’ve lived here for most of my life and I’m looking forward to the chance to help highlight how great Crieff is.

“Locals, day visitors, and holiday-makers should all get a better chance to enjoy the town thanks to the opportunities offered to local businesses and events by Crieff Succeeds.”

Crieff Succeeds BID chair Stephen Leckie said: “We are pleased to have John working with us. Having John in place will allow the BID to step up yet another gear in delivering the priorities in the business plan that was overwhelmingly voted through last year. The board wish John every success and look forward to working with him.

The manager’s role is also the first point of contact for local event organisers and businesses to access the BID grants schemes.

The BID has set aside £22,000 between now and October to support local events and help businesses improve their customer experience.

Details of the grant schemes are available at www.crieffsucceeds.com

Throughout this month Alan Rankin – project leader for the BID until John’s appointment – will handover the paperwork and project files.

Thereafter, John will assume the full role as BID manager – with Alan involved on a project advisory basis at points in the future.

The BID business plan has six key priorities, which are:

• Putting Crieff back on the map and attracting more visitors;

• Creating a more welcoming Crieff through improvements to the town centre appearance and better parking;

• ‘Buy local’ schemes, supporting local businesses for local people and visitors;

• Cash support for events to build a year-round programme of things to do;